Mary Jane

Founded in the foothills of El Dorado... Their music is a sweet, humble yet raw blend of acoustic rock, funky reggae, and soulful blues. It is a mixture like no other. The “duet, sometimes quartet” exerts high energy performances while frequenting local and out of town venues, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, music festivals and various events. The unique sound of Island of Black and White today captures the attention of those young and old: with Chris Haislet on guitar, keyboard, accordion, melodica, flute and vocals, Nawal Alwareeth on drums and vocals. It is apparent for anyone watching, that the band shares an immense love for music. Not only does the band enjoy playing, but their incredible performances engage all who listen; and the energy is shared with the entire crowd.


"If you are already sick of the cold and want to feel as if you’ve stumbled into a magic portal of summer love, look no further than Island of Black & White. This incredibly talented local act will blow your mind oh-so-gently with the smooth rhythms of Nawal Alwareeth and Chris Haislet’s angel-kissed booming vocals. This funky, folky, soulful, acoustic blues duo breaks my heart in the best way every time....from the vast spacious pool of radical rhythms and melodic miracles that make up the Sacramento music scene." -Rob Brundage, Sacramento365.com 2013

“Every once in a while a band transcends time because they redefine music and remain relevant throughout the generations. The Island of Black and White (IBW), a Sacramento rock/reggae/funk/folk/blues band, is on their way - destined for greatness. Chris Haislet (vocals, guitar, keyboard, flute, accordion, talk box, melodica . . . etc.) and Nawal Al Wareeth (drums) have such raw sincerity and technical expertise that you must submit to the moment and let their music run through your veins. IBW keeps their fans coming back for more with their improvisational solos and poetic originals. With lyrics like, "We are stronger than we know" and "We must hold on," IBW writes about embracing life and empowers its audience to "Rise above." Do not hesitate to watch this band perform live . . . it will be like hearing The Beatles for the first time.” –Matthew Jaoudi, 2012


“a lifetime of stories crammed into a couple years of experience create the perfect formula that makes up the Caribbean-drenched, edgy and folky sounds of Island of Black and White, El Dorado Hills’ own slice of pure musical originality.”
-Andy Laughlin, Village Life, El Dorado Hills NewsPaper 2011


*Article 12/12 Sacramento365: Sacramento Bands...- Rob Brundage

*Article 10/12 Sacramento News and Review- Aaron Carnes

*Article 08/12 Folsom/Eldo Style Magazine- Abigail Blanks